How To Enclose Your Backyard With Vinyl Fencing To Keep Your Dog Secure
Dogs have a natural curiosity that makes it hard for them to stay in one place, and easily get into trouble. Dogs also get bored quickly. This is why it's not uncommon to hear about runaway pups, digging doggies, and plant-eating canines. If your furry friend doesn't stay in the yard on its own, then it is time to erect a fence. A vinyl fence is the perfect tool to keep your dogs safe and secure in your yard. Vinyl fences are also very easy to maintain and won't affect your home's curb appeal. Keep reading to learn the best fencing techniques to keep your dog protected and content in your back yard:
Items You'll Need:
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Vinyl fencing
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Concrete
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Chicken Wire
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Large stones
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Gate latches
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Double gates
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Slanted fence topper
1. Purchase Your Fencing Materials
Measure the perimeter of the space you will be fencing in to determine how much fencing you'll need. Once you know the length of fence, you can calculate how many posts you'll need. Typically, a fence post is placed every 8 feet. So divide the total length of your fence in feet by 8 to determine how many posts you'll need to buy. If you are a visual person, you can use a can of spray paint to mark the ground in 8-foot increments, along the future fence line. Then simply count the number of marks to find out how many posts to buy.
Keep in mind that there are local regulations as to how close to your neighbor's property you can put a fence, and how high your fence can be. Check with your local government for the zoning laws in your area.
2. Build An Underground Barrier
Since many breeds of dogs are great diggers, you will need to install an underground barrier along the fence line. This will keep your pet from digging beneath the fence to escape. The most secure type of barrier is one made of concrete, but you can also use chicken wire to deter digging under the fence. Simply bend the bottom of a length of chicken wire to a 90 –degree angle to form an "L" shape, and then bury it at least a food down into the ground. This will keep your dog in and other pesky animals out.
3. Erect The Fence Posts And Panels
Follow the manufacturer's instruction on how to install your new vinyl fence. Or, better yet, have a professional fence company do it for you. If possible, dig the bottom of the fence posts into the ground behind the concrete barrier. If you're using chicken wire, then put the fence posts right up against the back side of the chicken wire.
4. Put The Fence Topper On
Place a slanted topper on the top edge of the new fence. Make sure it's slanted inward, which will prevent your pup from jumping over the fence. Most dogs are able to jump fences because they use the top edge as a vault. Without this flat surface, they won't be able to get over the fence.
5. Install Double Gates
A box-shaped section of fence will allow you to install a double gate. This will literally give you two gates right next to each other. You will open one gate, and then close it behind you before you open the next gate. This will prevent your dog from sneaking out when someone is entering or exiting your back yard.
6. Add Latches To The Gates
Once the double gates are installed, add the latches. It's is very important that you choose latches that cannot be opened by a dog's paw. It's a good idea to put the latch high enough so the dog can't reach it when standing on 4 legs or 2.
Now you can set your dog loose in your back yard without worrying about it escaping. Just remember to inspect the fence regularly for potential escape routes, from holes in the fence or ground, to items placed up against the fence that will make it easy for Fido to jump over it. Also make sure the latches are working properly.
If you have any questions about installing a vinyl fence in your back yard, or would like to hire professionals to do this project for you, call a local fencing company like Mr Fence. They will be happy to help you.
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